NewsDaily NewsNews Commentary

City Cast Chicago

City Cast

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.

Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022

Play

Open in

59 episodes
daily
Avg 36 min
English

Episodes 59

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 38 min
What’s in the Mayor’s 2027 Budget Proposal?
Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his $17.6 billion budget proposal at City Hall this week. The mayor called it “Chicago’s Fair Share Budget,” after what Harold Washington named his 1986 budget 40 years ago. We are joined by City Hall reporters Brandon Pope and Jake Sheridan to dive into the details, including another attempt at a corporate head tax, new investments in the library and youth jobs, and debates between the mayor and City Council. Good News: Mobb Deep x Talib Kweli, Tank and The Bangas Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 23 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Thursday · 29 min
Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support
This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening. Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a string of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. Contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker break down the latest. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Wednesday · 32 min
Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care funded now that federal dollars have dried up. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with contributors Adora Namigadde and Anna DeShawn. Plus, should Chicago get a portal? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 21 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Tuesday · 42 min
Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an advisor, campaign donor, and critical ally to governors, mayors, state attorneys, and more. Now he is one of the lead opposition forces to the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson. WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins us with the latest. Plus, we’re going through the non-binding ballot questions Chicagoans will see when they vote. Find your ward’s early voting location Good News: Peak fall foliage, Jazz Happy Hour, Live Music with Charles Pryor, After Hours Live Jazz Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 20 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Monday · 39 min
Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards
Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears-themed rom-com, and the return of the Soul Train Awards. Good News: Write Club Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed this interview with Kenya Merritt, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 19 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 16 · 43 min
What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner
Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to override a mayoral veto, and a vote on the Smart Streets program. Plus, school board presidential candidates met in a Chicago Public Media forum this week, and we’ve got love for the Westside Love Maps Project! Good News: Write About Now Poetry, Vigil Against Violence, New Schools Poetry Slam Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct.16 episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 15 · 32 min
Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago
There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker are here with great costume ideas, parties across the city, and the best spot to catch a horror movie or show. Good News: Al Raby dedication. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 15th episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 14 · 39 min
The Fat Cat Attracting Lincoln Park Rats. Plus, Northalsted’s Legacy Walk
For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in the community. Billionaires Barre and Barbara Seid, despite repeated fines and citations, continue to feed expensive nuts to the squirrels, pigeons, and rats in the park. We break down the Alderman’s response with contributors Al Scorch and Anna DeShawn. Plus, check out the newest plaques on Northalsted’s Legacy Walk and this weekend’s Open House Chicago itineraries. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 14 episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 13 · 34 min
Why Is Chicago Losing Maternity Wards? Plus, Guide to Judicial Elections
Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial in Uptown. Others have had to make hard decisions on which units to keep funding. Roseland Community Hospital announced that it will close its maternity unit by the end of the month. Leigh Giangreco is here with the latest updates. Plus, Dan Hinkel joins to discuss Injustice Watch’s Cook County judicial elections voter guide. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! If you enjoyed today's interview with the VP of Destination Branding & Development at Experience Champaign-Urbana, Terri Reifsteck, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 13 episode: DCASE Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 9 · 37 min
OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and who would you pick to throw out a playoff first pitch? Good News: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 8 · 35 min
Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plenty of civil liberties cases on the docket. The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Cook County’s 30-year ban on assault weapons. Plus, what happens when a neighborhood festival goes viral? Get ready for “Best Big City Day.” Good News: Latina Expo Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 7 · 36 min
Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and the rising price of White Sox playoff tickets. Plus, it’s the start of our Fall Membership campaign, and we’ve got an amazing piece of merch for new City Cast Chicago neighbors! Good News: Friday: Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Marsh 10th Anniversary Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 6 · 44 min
What You Need to Know For School Board Elections
Over the next month, Chicagoans will vote in a historic school board election. For the first time, the now 20-seat board and the at-large president will be decided at the ballot box. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin are here with their Chicago School Board Voter Guide. We discuss the races we’re watching closely, the candidates for school board president, and where the campaign money is flowing in from. Good News: Chicago Zine Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed this interview with Adam Rubin, Senior Director of Public Engagement at Chicago Architecture Center, learn more here Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 5 · 38 min
Is Chicago's New Parking Deal Better? Plus, 2020 Time
Last week, the City Council voted to approve the sale of Chicago’s Parking meters to a New York-based investment firm. After months of back and forth, alders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal, arguing it means more revenue for Chicago over the remaining five decades. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Jill Hopkins to break down the details. Plus, we’re taking a peek inside a COVID-era time capsule, previewing Día de Muertos celebrations at the National Museum of Mexican Art, and sharing the TV shows we can’t get enough of right now. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed this interview with Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 5th episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 2 · 32 min
Why Did Wieners Circle Shade the Mayor? Plus, Soxtober Returns
Today we’re joined by Jessica Mordacq from Austin Weekly News/Forest Park Review and Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin. We’re reacting to the Wieners Circle shading the mayor with their marquee, a new plan to close the life expectancy gap in Garfield Park, and the White Sox first playoff series win in 21 years! Plus, where to find Hebru Brantley’s Austin statue and Block Club Chicago’s weekend Block Party. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 2 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 1 · 36 min
Your Guide to October 2026 in Chicago
As we enter the home stretch of 2026, we’ve got your guide for October. We’re talking Sox hats, budget battles, early voting, apple orchards, and tips for the Chicago Marathon. Plus, we need your help sourcing the best spots for Halloween costumes. Good news: SAUCED Night Market Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773-780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 1 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 30 · 39 min
Deadly Month For Cyclists. Plus, Best of the South Side
Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn are here to discuss what they believe must be done to stem these rising numbers. Plus, we are celebrating the newest inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side 2026. Good News: Sunset Paddle Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 30 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 29 · 35 min
Why Block Club Sued ICE
It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and why records eventually came out through a lawsuit instead. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 29 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 28 · 32 min
Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are looking forward to this October. Good news: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 28 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 25 · 32 min
How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods
Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population. Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing. Good news: Hexe Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 25 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Showing 1–20 of 59 episodes